Color of Blood

Les Coalson
Eakin Press (2008)
ISBN 9781934645550
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (3/08) 


Les Coalson’s “Color of Blood” takes the reader on a wild ride through some fairly untamed parts of Texas and into encounters with a couple of very unsavory characters. The main storyline deals with the disappearance of a young couple, Jack and Vicky, who vanish from Jack’s boat during a rather routine outing. When Jack’s journalist brother Clay starts to investigate their disappearance, it soon becomes obvious that Jack was involved in some environmental issues and very likely about to step on the “big guys’ toes,” so Clay starts to believe that his brother’s disappearance was not an accident but, rather, the result of foul play.

As enthralling as the main storyline was, I found several of the side stories even more absorbing. Julio and Louisa’s heartbreaking story presents an ethical dilemma that many people have witnessed in the Terry Schiavo case, but which remains fresh and compelling. Mary Frances and Clay’s story is one that so many readers slightly afraid of commitment will find easy to relate to. Jacob’s struggle between what’s easy and what’s right is a classic example of the choices people are faced with every day; and there is no telling which side will win in any of those situations. Vicky’s past – and to some extent her present – will probably make you wince, but you are also bound to feel some compassion for her. All of those side stories and their characters are well-thought-out and very believable. The characters are well-crafted, and I found it easy to relate to them. Although their motivations are pretty straightforward, the story does not suffer for that and does not become boring and predictable.

Les Coalson has obviously done extensive research for the background of his story and his insights into Texas’s history, economy and the current environmental issues are well worth reading. He touches on many pressing contemporary issues, including race relations, the euthanasia dilemma, crime, pollution, the behavior of large companies with little regard for our environment and more.

I would recommend Les Coalson’s “Color of Blood” to any reader in search of a fast-moving, contemporary and relevant suspense novel. If the reader happens to be fan of wildlife, boating or Texas, he or she should find this an especially rewarding read.

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